The Polynesian Voyaging Society hosted a Mahalo Celebration for the crew and supporters of the Voyage to Micronesia-Japan that took place earlier this year. Crew of the Hokule'a and the Hokualaka'i offered their kokua to setup and cook food for the event, and offer tours of both vessels to the honored guests. Pyo navigators gave slideshow presentations in the classrooms, and live entertainment was provided by several talented crew members. It was good to see many of the Ohana Wa'a (canoe family) that we hadn't seen in some time. A poignant speech was delivered by Nainoa Thompson before a screening of the CBS documentary of the voyage.

Tours were offered to guests on the Hokule'a (pictured), the Hokualaka'i and Kamahele

There was always a crowd of visitors on board the Hokule'a, the Queen of the fleet

There was a lot of food to choose from, and if you couldn't decide, try them all!

Chadd Paishon (Makali'i) and Dennis Chun (Namahoe) entertain the crowd

Several dignitaries attended the event, including Senator Dan Akaka

Tours of the canoes continued well into the evening, with a setting sun behind Hokule'a